Morecambe FC is delighted to announce that Martin Bateman joins the Shrimps as the Club's Chaplain.
Martin has worked in the charity sector for 31 years and is based in Lancaster, he is currently the CEO of Ambassadors Football, a position he has held since 2015.
Ambassadors is a charity focussed on helping improve communities and lives through the vehicle of football. Locally they play in a five-a-side league in Carnforth, run two girls’ football teams in Morecambe and Lancaster.
He said: “My Christian faith is behind my desire to get involved in my community, and I’m really pleased to serve the community of Morecambe FC in this way.
“Being a chaplain means being available to everyone and anyone - a ‘listening ear’ for people to go with worries or concerns.
“A lot of today’s professional clubs were started by churches and so having a chaplain involved keeps up that tradition.
“I’m looking forward to meeting people around the club. If you see me, say ‘hello’!”
General Manager Ben Sadler added: “We are delighted to welcome Martin to our team.
“When the opportunity came up to work with Sports Chaplaincy UK, and Martin, we jumped at the opportunity.
“As the club continues to grow, and reach out into the community, it is important to us that we have the expertise and support in place to offer a multi (and non) faith, confidential service to all of our colleagues, players and wider supporter base.
“We are looking forward to working with Martin, who will also assist us on a number of projects as we move forwards.”